Testing device for testing or analysing fluids and a holder and a storage container for such devices

ABSTRACT

A testing device for testing or analysing fluids comprises a separately produced holder ( 10 ) and a sheet- or plate-like test member ( 11 ) including analysis reagent. The holder defines an abutment surface ( 13 ) for engaging with a side surface of the test member. Projections ( 15 ) formed on the holder are positioned and shaped so as to allow insertion of the test member into the holder by moving the test member into engagement with said abutment surface while engaging with opposite edge portions thereof. The projections may, for example, be tooth-shaped and have pointed ends, and at least some of the projections may have a leading edge ( 16 ) forming a ramp sloping towards a plane defined by the abutment surface so as to facilitate insertion of the test member into the holder. A stack of such testing devices may be arranged within a cassette from which they may be fed successively into an automatic analyser. The holder of the testing device may be re-used.

[0001] The present invention relates to a testing device for testing oranalysing fluids.

[0002] It is known to make qualitative or quantitative analyticaldetermination of constituents of fluids, such as body fluids of humansor animals, for example milk, by using so-called test carriers. Testcarriers are usually strip-, sheet- or plate-like members includingporous or fibrous test layers with one or more chemical reactants orreagents. When a liquid sample to be tested is applied to the testcarrier and comes into contact with the reagents therein a detectablesignal, such as a colour change, is generated. Such signal can beevaluated visually or by means of a suitable testing or analysingapparatus. Usually, the test carrier (in the following also referred toas “test member”) is mounted in a plastic holder or frame so that it canbe handled properly in an analysing apparatus. Such known holders orframes are disclosed in i.a. EP-A-0 511 120, U.S. Pat. No. 4,230,757,U.S. Pat. No. 4,387,990, U.S. Pat. No. 5,173,261, U.S. Pat. No.5,244,632, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,258,163.

[0003] Because the known holders or frames are usually made from two ormore separate parts, which have to be interconnected when the testcarrier or test member is mounted, mounting of the test members in theknown frames or holders is relatively complicated and time consuming,and replacement of the test member so that the holder may be re-used, isnormally not possible in practise.

[0004] Therefore, the present invention has for its object to provide atesting device and a holder or frame allowing a very simple and easymounting of the test member in the holder or frame.

[0005] Thus, the present invention provides a testing device for testingor analysing fluids and comprising at least one strip-, sheet- orplate-like test member including analysis reagent and having oppositeside surfaces surrounded by edge portions, and a separately producedholder having retaining means for receiving and retaining the testmember in a predetermined relative position in the holder, saidretaining means comprising an abutment surface engaging with one of saidside surfaces of the test member, and projections, which are positionedand shaped so as to allow insertion of the test member into the holderby moving the test member into engagement with said abutment surfacewhile engaging with opposite edge portions thereof.

[0006] The testing device according to the invention allows for a verysimple and easy mounting of the test member in the holder by simplypushing the test member towards the abutment surface. While the testmember is pushed into abutting engagement with the abutment surface theprojections are engaging with opposite edge portions of the test member.Thus, the projections will either locally deform opposite edge portionsof the test member and/or penetrate into the material of such edgeportions, whereby the test member may be retained in the desiredposition in the holder. Because the inner side surface of the testmember is in abutting engagement with abutment surface of the holder,the correct mutual position in the holder is secured. Also, after usethe test member may rather easily be removed and replaced by a freshone, so that the holder may be re-used, if desired.

[0007] In the present context the term “sheet- or plate-like testmember” should comprise not only a test member made from two or morelayers comprising i.a. porous materials and plastic films, laminatesetc., but also test members in the form of strips or rods, which couldhave been made by cutting a sheet or plate into such strips or rods, andtest members having varying thicknesses along at least one dimension.

[0008] Preferably, the projections are tooth-shaped with pointed ends,whereby the projections can better bite or penetrate into the materialof the test member edge portions. Alternatively or additionally, each ofat least some of the projections may have a leading edge forming a rampsloping towards a plane defined by the abutment surface so as tofacilitate insertion of the test member into the holder. When the testmember is inserted into the holder and is pushed or biased towards theabutment surface of the holder, the edge portions of the test memberwill first meet the inwardly sloping ramp-like leading edge of theprojections. The sloping leading edges of the opposite projections causea slight lateral compression of the opposite edge portions of the testmember so that these edge portions may partly or completely pass thefree ends of the projections, which may be pointed. Additionally, theleading edge of the projections may form a cutting edge so that thesloping cutting edge may at least partly cut into the edge portion ofthe test member, when the test member is moved into engagement with theabutment surface.

[0009] In order to prevent the test member from moving unintentionallyout of engagement with the abutment surface the leading edge of at leastsome of the projections may be barbed, and/or the trailing edge of theprojection may be shaped so that the free end of the projectionfunctions like a barb. Thus, the trailing edge may slope in the samedirection as the leading edge and define with the abutment surface anacute angle, which is smaller than the acute angle defined by theleading edge. Alternatively, each of at least some of the projectionsmay have a trailing edge extending substantially parallel with andspaced from a plane defined by the abutment surface. It is alsoenvisaged that the trailing edge or surface slope in a directionopposite to the direction of the leading edge. In this case the freepointed end of the projection may still function as a barb, and thetrailing edge or surface may function as a supporting surface abuttinglyengaging with the adjacent side surface opposite to the abutment surfaceprovided that the said spacing substantially corresponds to thethickness of the sheet- or plate-like testing member. In order to allowtest members of different thicknesses to be safely retained in a holder,the projections of the holder may be positioned so as to be differentlyspaced from the plane defined by the abutment surface. It is alsoenvisaged that the projections may be formed by thermoplasticdeformation of wall parts of the holder prior to or after insertion ofthe test member in the holder.

[0010] The terms “leading edge” and “trailing edge” as used hereinshould be understood as the edge coming first and the edge coming last,respectively, into engagement with the test member, when the test memberis moved into the holder.

[0011] In one of the preferred embodiments the holder is achannel-shaped member having an inner bottom surface defining saidabutment surface and opposite inner side surfaces from which projectionsextend in opposite directions. A holder of this type is suitable for usein connection with an elongated test member of the “lateral flow stick”type, in which the fluid to be tested is supplied at one end of theelongated test member.

[0012] In another preferred embodiment the holder is frame-shaped anddefines an opening therein, and the abutment surface extends around andadjacent to said opening. Because projections may be positioned all wayaround the opening through which the test member is exposed it ispossible to obtain a very exact position of the exposed side surfacepart in relation to the holder.

[0013] In order to facilitate storing of a stock of testing devices, theholder preferably has upper and lower complementary surfaces so as toallow stacking of a plurality of testing devices on top of each other.Preferably, such complementary surfaces are shaped so as to allow mutualdisplacement of stacked testing devices in a direction transversely tothe longitudinal direction of the stack. As explained below, suchfeatures may be advantageous when the stacked testing devices are storedin a storage container or cassette from which they are dischargeable oneby one.

[0014] The testing device may be used for testing of any type of liquidfor which suitable test members of the type in question exist. In apresently preferred embodiment the testing device according to theinvention is for use in colorimetric testing of milk.

[0015] According to a further aspect the present invention also relatesto a holder for a testing device as that described above, said holdercomprising means for receiving and retaining a sheet- or plate-like testmember, which has opposite side surfaces surrounded by edge portions, ina predetermined relative position in the holder, said retaining meanscomprising an abutment surface for engaging with one of said sidesurfaces of the test member and projections, which are positioned andshaped so as to allow insertion of the test member into the holder bymoving the test member into engagement with said abutment surface whileengaging with opposite edge portions thereof.

[0016] In principle, the holder according to the invention may becomposed by two or more separate parts. In the preferred embodiment,however, the holder is formed integrally, for example by injectionmoulding or extrusion from plastic material.

[0017] The testing devices are suitably delivered to the user in astorage container or cassette, which may be connected to an analyser,and from which a testing device may be withdrawn one by one when needed.Even though the testing devices are usually fed into an automaticanalyser, they may be discharged from the container or cassettemanually. Usually the testing devices are disposed with after use.However, it is possible to remove the test member from the holder afteruse and to reuse the holder.

[0018] Thus, the invention also relates to such an elongated storagecontainer or cassette for receiving a plurality of stacked testingdevices of the type having at least one sheet- or plate-like test memberincluding analysis reagent, and a holder receiving and retaining thetest member in a predetermined relative position in the holder, saidcontainer comprising a movable support member for supporting a lowertesting device in said stack, an upper abutment surface for engagingwith an upper testing device in the stack, a discharge opening alignedwith said upper testing device, so as to allow discharge of said uppertesting device by displacing the same along said abutment surface. Themovable support member may be biased towards the upper abutment surface,for example by means of a spring positioned in the lower part of thecontainer or cassette. In the preferred embodiment the biasing means ispart of the analyser, such as a piston or plunger moving trough anopening in the bottom part of the cassette.

[0019] In the latter case it is necessary to prevent that the movablesupport member moves in a direction away from the upper abutmentsurface, when the container or cassette is removed from the analyser andits biasing means. Therefore, the storage container preferably furthercomprises one-way means associated with the movable support memberallowing the movable support member to move in a direction towards theupper abutment surface, only. These one-way means may, for example,comprise at least one succession of teeth, such as a rack or ratchetteeth, and at least one pawl member co-operating therewith.

[0020] Such a ratchet system may retain the support member in aplurality of positions being longitudinally spaced corresponding to thepitch of the succession of teeth. In order to increase the number oflongitudinal positions, in which the support member may be retained fora given pitch of the rack or succession of teeth, the one-way means maycomprise at least two pawl members, which are connected to thesupporting member for co-operating with a succession of teeth formed onan inner side surface of the storage container, the free ends of thepawl members being spaced in the longitudinal direction of the containerby a distance being different from a multiple of the pitch of thesuccession of teeth, preferably smaller than said pitch. Thus, if saidspacing is for example half the pitch a number of the uniformlylongitudinally spaced positions being the double of the number of teethin the row or succession of teeth is obtainable.

[0021] According to a further aspect the invention also relates to acartridge for receiving, storing and unloading a plurality of stackedtesting devices, wherein the cartridge comprising a housing defining aninternal passage for said stack of sticks, and wherein the housingcomprising: a lower charge opening for receiving said stack of testingdevices, a support member for supporting a lower testing device in saidstack, an upper abutment surface for engaging with an upper testingdevice in the stack, and an upper discharge opening, substantiallyaligned with said upper testing device, so as to allow discharge of saidupper testing device by displacing the same along said abutment surface.

[0022] The housing of the cartridge may be assembled by two halves,together defining oppositely side surfaces, and a front and a backsurface. And wherein the two halves are detachable or non-detachableassembled.

[0023] The cartridge further comprising a discharge opening whichcomprises guiding trails or incisions for guiding a testing device upondischarging.

[0024] The inside of the side surfaces of the cartridge may compriseguiding trails for guiding a stack of testing devices through thepassage. The side surfaces further comprise at least one serrated trackon the inside, forming one side of an internal one-way stair for amovable support member. The movable support member is movable inrelation to the housing.

[0025] The one-way stair inside the cartridge allows the movable supportmember to move in a direction towards the upper abutment surface, only.The one-way means comprise at least one succession of teeth, such as arack or ratchet teeth, and at least one pawl member co-operatingtherewith.

[0026] The invention further relates to a cartridge comprising at leasttwo pawl members, which are connected to the supporting member forco-operating with a succession of teeth formed on an inner side surfaceof the storage container, the free ends of the pawl members being spacedin the longitudinal direction of the container by a distance beingdifferent from a multiple of the pitch of the succession of teeth,preferably smaller than said pitch.

[0027] The cartridge further comprises a locking device in the vicinityof the discharge opening on at least one of the side surfaces, forpreventing unintentional discharges of testing devices. The lockingdevice comprises at least one flexible protrusion obstructing at least apart of said discharge opening.

[0028] The invention further relates to a load device for loading astack of testing devices into a cartridge, the load device comprising: abase member, a first and a second column oppositely arranged andextending upwards from said base member, and being adapted to receiveand hold one or more testing devices there between, and a lifting devicefor slidably lifting one of more testing devices along said columns.Each column comprises a groove for receiving and guiding an end of atest stick. The lifting device comprises a handle for manually slidingsaid lifting device along said columns. The lifting device is preferablyautomatically slid along said columns. The lifting device furthercomprises a support surface for supporting at least a part of the lowertesting device in said stack of testing devices.

[0029] The movable support member is preferably arranged between saidsupport surface of the lifting device and the lower most testing devicein the stack.

[0030] In order to facilitate the guiding of the lifting device, thedevice comprises guiding means abutting a side portion of said columnsso as to guide the device along the columns.

[0031] The invention further relates to a method for loading a pluralityof testing devices into a cartridge by using a load device, the loaddevice comprising: a base member, a first and a second column oppositelyarranged and extending upwards from said base member, and being adaptedto receive and hold one or more testing devices there between, and alifting device for slidably lifting one of more testing devices alongsaid columns.

[0032] the method comprising the steps of: stacking one or more testingdevices between the columns, guide an empty cartridge from above thecolumns and down towards the base member, lifting the lifting device inorder to push the sticks upwards until the upper most testing deviceabuts an upper abutment surface of said cartridge, removing thecartridge loaded with the sticks from said load device.

[0033] The method may further comprise, prior to the step of placingtesting devices, the step of placing a support member between thecolumns for supporting and holding the stack of testing devices insidesaid cartridge upon removing the loaded cartridge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The invention will now be explained with reference to thedrawings illustrating embodiments of the testing device, the holder andthe storage container according to the invention, and wherein:

[0035]FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of a holderaccording to the invention for a testing member,

[0036]FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of thetesting device according to the invention comprising the holder shown inFIG. 1,

[0037]FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the testing device shown inFIG. 2,

[0038]FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of aholder according to the invention,

[0039]FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of thetesting device according to the invention comprising the holder shown inFIG. 4,

[0040]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a storagecontainer or cassette according to the invention for receiving a stackof testing devices as that shown in FIGS. 2 and 3,

[0041]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a storagecontainer or cassette according to the invention for receiving a stackof testing devices as that shown in FIG. 5,

[0042]FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of an upper part of thestorage container or cassette of FIG. 7 shown in an enlarged scale,

[0043]FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view of a lower part of thestorage container or cassette of FIG. 7 shown in an enlarged scale, and

[0044]FIG. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view of the lower part of thestorage container or cassette of FIG. 7 taken along a median plane ofthe container.

[0045]FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a third embodiment of anempty holder according to the invention.

[0046]FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of a third embodiment loadedwith a test stick.

[0047]FIGS. 13 and 14 are a magnification of the central part of holdershown in FIGS. 11 and 12, illustrating two rib-shaped protrusions.

[0048]FIG. 15 is a top perspective of a second embodiment of an emptyholder with a test stick above.

[0049]FIG. 16 shows two LS frames piled up.

[0050]FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of the fourth embodiment with atest stick above.

[0051]FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of the fourth embodiment loadedwith a test stick.

[0052]FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of the third embodiment of anempty holder according to the invention.

[0053]FIG. 20 is a bottom perspective view of the fourth embodimentaccording to the invention, showing the point of injection and the marksfrom the ejection pins.

[0054]FIG. 21 is a profile view of the embodiments one to four,according to the invention.

[0055]FIG. 22 shows two frames piled up on top of each other.

[0056]FIG. 23 shows the drawings of the third embodiment.

[0057]FIG. 24 shows the drawings of the fourth embodiment.

[0058]FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a storagecontainer or cassette according to the invention for receiving a stackof testing devices as shown in FIGS. 5, 11 and 12.

[0059]FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a storagecontainer or cassette according to the invention for receiving a stackof testing devices as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 19.

[0060]FIG. 27 shows a cross-section of a cassette before assembly 27 aand after assembly 27 b.

[0061]FIG. 28 shows a magnification of the assembly points in picture28, the left FIG. 28a is before assembly and the right FIG. 28b is afterassembly.

[0062]FIG. 29 shows the energy directors on one of the halves of acartridge.

[0063]FIG. 30 shows a cross-section of an assembled cartridge having atest slide inside.

[0064]FIG. 31 shows a magnification of the corner guides.

[0065]FIG. 32 shows the top part of a cartridge according to the fourthembodiment.

[0066]FIG. 33 shows a cross-section of the resilient finger.

[0067]FIG. 34 shows a cross-section of a cartridge according to thefourth embodiment.

[0068]FIG. 35 shows an edge view of a cartridge.

[0069]FIG. 36 shows two embodiments of the movable bottom plate.

[0070]FIG. 37 shows a cartridge loaded with holders.

[0071]FIG. 38 is a magnification of the mounting of a movable bottomplate.

[0072]FIG. 39 shows a mounting tool for loading cartridges.

[0073]FIG. 40 shows holders piled-up in the mounting tool or loadingdevice.

[0074]FIG. 41 shows a cartridge placed over the sticks and the twoguiding legs of the mounting tool. Furthermore a lifting device is shownin this figure.

[0075]FIG. 42 shows the same as FIG. 41, with the lifting device in araised position.

[0076] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a first embodiment of a testing deviceaccording to the invention comprising a holder 10 and a sheet- orplate-like test carrier or test member 11, which is a sheet or platemember containing for example colorimetric reagents. The holder 10,which may be made from plastic material by injection moulding, and thetest sheet member 11 are produced separately and usually at differentlocations. Therefore, before the testing device may be used the testsheet member has to be mounted in the holder 10.

[0077] The holder 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3 comprises a substantiallyrectangular frame 12 having inner side walls defining a passage having across-section corresponding to the size and shape of the test member 11.The upper end of the passage defined by the frame 12 is partly coveredby an upper wall 13 defining an exposure opening 14 therein. The bottomsurface of the upper wall 13 defines an abutment surface for thesheet-like test member 11 when mounted in the holder 10.

[0078] Oppositely arranged inner side wall parts have tooth-likeprojections 15 formed thereon. Each projection has a sloping leadingedge 16 and a support surface or trailing surface 17, which is oppositeto and substantially parallel with the bottom surface of the upper wall13. Wing-like flanges 18 extending outwardly from opposite sides of therectangular frame 12 are used for guiding the testing device along apath of movement or processing path in an automatic analyser, not shown.

[0079] A plate or sheet-like test member 11, such as a sheet ofchemistry paper with a thickness of about 0.4 mm, may be mounted in theholder shown in FIG. 1 simply by pushing the test member upwardly troughthe frame 12 towards the bottom side of the upper wall 13. The edgeportions of the sheet-like test member 11 thereby come into engagementwith the leading edges 16 of the projections, whereby these edgeportions are locally compressed. Preferably, the thickness of the testmember 11 corresponds to the axial distance between the abutment surfaceformed by the bottom surface of the upper wall 13 and the oppositesupporting surfaces 17 of the projections 15. In such case the testmember may be safely retained in position in the holder 10 between thebottom surface of the wall 13 and the opposing supporting surfaces 17 ofthe projections 15. When the testing device has been introduced into ananalyser a liquid sample to be tested may be applied to the surface ofthe test member 11 exposed in the opening 14, and a colorimetricreaction may be read by the analyser and translated into a test result.

[0080]FIG. 17 illustrates another embodiment of the testing deviceaccording to the invention. This embodiment comprises an upper side anda lower side in relation to an analysis instrument. The flanges 18 arepositioned on the upper side of the holder and the retaining means arepositioned and shaped so as to allow insertion of a plate or sheet-liketest member 11, such as a sheet of chemistry paper, from the upper sideof the holder (which is the opposite direction compared to the loadingof a test member in the embodiment of FIG. 1). FIG. 20 shows the sameembodiment from the lower side. FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment ofthe testing device according to the invention comprising achannel-shaped holder 19 shown in FIG. 4 and an elongated strip-typetest member 20 having varying thicknesses along its length. Thechannel-shaped holder 19 has a pair of opposite side walls 21 and aconnecting bottom wall 22 defining an inner abutment surfacecorresponding to the bottom surface of the upper wall 13 in theembodiment described above in connection with FIGS. 1-3. A number oftooth-like projections 15 corresponding to those described above inconnection with FIGS. 1-3 are formed on the opposite inner surfaces ofthe side walls 21. A pair of oppositely directed flanges 23 extends fromthe upper edges of the side walls 21 and serves as guide flanges whenthe testing device is processed in an analyser.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 5, the lateral stick or test member 20 comprisesvarious longitudinal sections including various layers and being ofdifferent thicknesses. These sections may, for example, include anapplication section 24 to which a liquid sample to be tested may beapplied, a transfer section 25 for adding selected chemicals to theliquid sample and for transferring the same to a reading section 26 atwhich a colorimetric reaction may be read by an automatic analyser, anda collecting section 27 for receiving the liquid sample. Therefore, thevarious sections of the stick or test member 20 have differentthicknesses. As apparent from FIG. 5 the thickness of the applicationsection 24 substantially corresponds to the distance between theabutment surface defined by the bottom 22 and the supporting surface 17of the adjacent projections 15, while the thicknesses of sections 25 and27 substantially exceeds that distance. This means that the projections15 adjacent to the sections 25 and 27 bite into the edge portions ofthese sections and thereby retain them in the desired position inrelation to the holder. Preferably, the distance between the abutmentsurface defined by the bottom 22 and the supporting surface of theprojections 15 correspond to the thickness of the bottom layer of all ofthe sections 24-27.

[0082] The stick frames shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 provide and facilitatehandle-ability to the chemistry pad.

[0083] The life cycle of a frame from production to waste is describedbelow:

[0084] Firstly the frame is manufactured by injection moulding. Thereafter the chemistry pad is pressed into the frame thus assembling thechemistry pad and frame, now forming a dry stick [DS], shown in FIG. 12and FIG. 18. The dry sticks are stacked in appropriate numbers andinserted in to a cartridge. A formed sheet of preferably stainless steelis inserted under the stack forming a no-return floating bottom,securing the stack at any stack height, shown in FIG. 36. When thecartridge and the dry sticks have been assembled the cartridge iswrapped in protecting seam-welded bags, packaged in boxes and put onstock, while kept cold at 5° C. Thereafter the box is transported anddistributed to the end-user, still kept cold. When the box arrives tothe end-user, the end-user also have to make sure that the boxescontaining the cartridges are stored in a cold storage such as arefrigerator. Single cartridges are retrieved from the cold storage andbrought to the analysis instrument and inserted in the storage.

[0085] The chemistry has two formats, lateral (LS) flow and calorimetric(CS):

[0086] The lateral flow chemistry consists of a bottom foil withnitrocellulose and glue on which dosage, reaction and suction fiber padsare placed. A tape is placed on top, except at the dosage area. Thechemistry is 5 by 60 mm and up to 1.6 mm high. The position of thereader-line is approximately in the middle.

[0087] Preferably somewhere between 25 mm and 39 mm such as 34 or 35 mmfrom the leading edge.

[0088] The calorimetric chemistry is formed by a 5 by 5-mm fiber-pad.The pad is approximately 0.34-0.6 mm thick.

[0089] The material preferably used in the manufacturing of the framesis Polystyrene [PS]. It has been chosen as it has a low cost per volumeand a high stiffness modulus. Furthermore it has a high surface tensiontowards milk, higher than Polyethylene [PE], reducing the risk of themilk seeking out in the gap between frame and chemistry.

[0090] The frame are preferably injection moulded. The geometry can berealized in injection tooling, without complexity e.g. separately movingcores etc. Due to the waste numbers needed, the production tooling willhave several cavities—maybe as many as 64, and will utilize hot-runnersand micro injection-nozzles.

[0091] The tooling produce no runners and inlet-parts, meaning thatthere is need to separate and recycle scrap.

[0092] The point of injection is placed in an indention of the geometryto allow some degree of undefined geometry, see FIG. 20.

[0093] The ejection pins are slightly prolonged, 0.05 mm, so that wearand tolerances can be taken-up without causing protrusions on the frame.

[0094] The stick assembling equipment checks each frame for faults, e.g.dimensions exceeding tolerances and incomplete geometry, and expelsfaulty frames. This could be done utilizing vision systems and/or lasergrids.

[0095] The chemistry paper is mounted in the frame simply by a pressingmotion with an appropriate shaped plunger. No-return hooks (15) placedon the walls of the frame secure the chemistry by positive engagement,shown in FIGS. 1 and 4.

[0096] The bottom plastic foil of the lateral chemistry flips under thehooks, although it has cut/deformed to some degree. Frames were realizedin soft tooling and assembly of chemistry carried out. It was found thatthe chemistry at the reader-line did not relate to the bottom of theframe as it bended, which affects the focus/precision of the reader.Therefore rib-protrusions 15 a are added, which have a transversaldistance smaller than the width of the chemistry, thus retaining thepad.

[0097] The calorimetric fiber pad is partly formed around and under thehooks, thus retained inside the holder.

[0098] The first embodiment of the colorimetric frame, had the chemistryinserted from underneath see FIGS. 1 and 2. This design presents the topof the chemistry with less tolerance of the level, and has a higherflexibility regarding different/changing pad thickness and less criticalretaining function, as the hooks have a better leading angle. The secondembodiment of the calorimetric frame, shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 may bepreferred if the concept of dosage is positive contact of the dosagedevice to the chemistry instead of a non-contact of the dosage device. Apositive contact concept of the dosage device calls for support fromunderneath of the pad.

[0099] Thus, the advantages of having a frame loaded from beneath, shownin FIGS. 1 and 2, is that the distance to a reader (not shown) is notdependent on the thickness of the chemistry.

[0100] The advantages of having a frame loaded from above, shown inFIGS. 17 and 18 is that the method of applying fluid on to the chemistrycan be done by direct contact. Because the chemistry is resting againstthe bottom of the frame it is not removed when the application toolapply a force on to the chemistry.

[0101] The design of the frames aim to have:

[0102] Lowest possible cost

[0103] Ease of automated production

[0104] High reliability of AI—avoid malfunctions and influence of theprecision of measurements

[0105] Small physical dimensions

[0106] Ease of disposal

[0107] Lowest possible environmental impact

[0108] Ease of development, same design paradigm for both frames

[0109] Same level of dosage for both DS

[0110] Same level of reading for both DS

[0111] The overall height, is preferably 2.5 mm, of the LS frame, andmay be determined by the chemistry used in the LS—the chemistry ispreferably 1.6 mm thick. The floor of the LS-frame is preferably 0.6 mmthick, leaving a clearance of preferably 0.3 mm from the top of theframe to the chemistry. The stack-height of the LS is the full 2.5 mm.

[0112] The stack-height of the CS may be reduced to 1.4 mm, bypreferably reducing the thickness of the frame body, utilizing thethinner chemistry. The overall height of the CS frame is preferably 2.2mm. The height of the CS-frame is based on the distance from the upperside of the LS frame to the LS-read plan. Furthermore is the height ofthe CS-frame also depending on the thickness of a CS-stick and thethickness of the floor of the CS-frame.

[0113]FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate storage containers or cassettes forcontaining a stack of testing devices of the type shown in FIGS. 1-3 and4-5, respectively. These cassettes are adapted to be mounted in anautomatic analyser (not shown) so that the testing devices containedtherein may be selective discharged for being processed in the analyser.Each of the cassettes shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 has a tubular shape with aninner rectangular cross-section substantially corresponding to theoutline of the testing devices to be housed therein (FIGS. 2 and 5,respectively), and an open bottom or bottom opening 37 as shown in FIG.9. The upper end of each of the storage containers or cassettes shown inFIGS. 6 and 7 is partly covered by a pair of opposite, substantiallyparallel flanges or ledges defining a transversely extending space 29there between (FIG. 8).

[0114] It is important that colorimetric as well as lateral sticks areguided securely and that they are as easy to handle as possible all theway from production until use in the analysis instrument.

[0115] The vertical guidance has to be so robust that the sticks are noterroneously oriented, before they are taken out by the stick moverhorizontally. It is necessary for the cartridge to be designed in a waythat enables the stick mover to run into an integration surface and bepresented to sticks in the same way each time.

[0116] During production, transportation and handling of the cartridgewith sticks, the cartridge has to be able to withstand all possible waysof treatment, which may include pushes, strokes and even drops, butwhich must not make the sticks to be erroneous oriented. The LC (lateralcartridge) preferably contains 50 sticks, and the CC (colorimetriccartridge) preferably 100 sticks.

[0117] Due to various physical designs of calorimetric and lateralsticks, two types of cartridges are available. The two types are calledColorimetric Cartridge [CC] and Lateral Cartridge [LC], respectively.Apart from the depth, the two cartridges are almost identical. The twocartridges can be seen in FIG. 25 and FIG. 26.

[0118] Preferably a cartridge consists of two injection-moulded shells,which preferably have been ultrasonic welded together. The shells arepreferably made of impact modified Polystyren, which has been chosen dueto the favourable price and the mechanical qualities desired, bothregarding strength/stiffness and welding.

[0119] In the following, the cartridge and the parts, which areintegrated in the cartridge, are described more closely and will applyfor both the CC and the LC.

[0120] A cartridge preferably consists of two injection-mouldedshells/sides, which preferably have been ultrasonic welded together, seeFIGS. 27 and 28.

[0121] Each shell has three energy directors, see FIG. 29 (six percartridge), which have been placed male/female alternately.

[0122] The welding takes place by way of a specially manufacturedwelding horn and a fixture on a 20 kHz welding machine.

[0123] The welding time including fixing time is preferably approx. 1.5second.

[0124] In the production the welding may take place fully automatedinline with an injection-moulding machine.

[0125] Each cartridge comprises a vertical guide-way for guiding stickswithin the cartridge. Preferably the nominal air around the stick is0.15 mm all the way round (thus 0.3 mm in each direction).The width ofthe guide in the edge is preferably 1.2 mm. See FIG. 31.

[0126] To make sure that the sticks can be handled smoothly withoutbeing squeezed by the cartridge and without capsizing (lateral sticksmay have a tendency of that), the welding has to be as precise aspossible.

[0127] Furthermore, each cartridge preferably comprises a spring lock inorder to ensure that the sticks cannot be removed from the cartridge incase of shocks when handling, in such cases the sticks are held back bya spring lock built into the cartridge. Shown in FIGS. 32 and 33.

[0128] The blocking of the spring locks can preferably only be removed,when the stick is taken out of the stick mover.

[0129] Below follows some data and specifications of the cartridges. Thecartridges are preferably welded in impact modified Polystyren. Some ofthe advantages of using Polystyren as material are because thePolystyren has good mechanical properties and is suitable for ultrasonicwelding and it is also an Inexpensive material.

[0130] The preferred physical data for a Lateral Cartridge are:

[0131] Volume: 2×21500 mm³

[0132] Weight: 2×22.6 g

[0133] Main dimensions (L×W×D): 160×13.2×25 mm

[0134] And the preferred physical data for a Colorimetric Cartridge are:

[0135] Volume: 2×8200 mm³

[0136] Weight: 2×8.6 g—Main dimensions (L×W×D): 160×13.2×25 mm

[0137] To ensure that the sticks in the cartridge are always in the topof the cartridge, and that the stack of sticks is kept in place, themovable bottoms shown in FIG. 36 have been used. As shown in FIGS. 9 and10, each of the storage containers or cassettes contains a movablebottom plate or support plate 30 and when loaded with a stack of testingdevices (FIGS. 2 and 5) such stack is arranged between the bottom plate30 and the inner surfaces of the flanges 28, so that the uppermosttesting device in the stack is in abutting engagement with the flanges28 and aligned with a discharge opening 31 formed in the adjacentcassette wall. A resilient finger 32 formed integrally with the cassettewall is frictionally engaging with the uppermost testing device in thestack so as to avoid unintentional discharge of the same trough thedischarge opening 31. Rows of teeth or ratchet teeth 33 formed onopposite inner walls of the storage container or cassette are engagingwith pawl members 34 (FIG. 9) connected to the movable bottom plate 30so as to allow movement of the bottom plate 30 in one direction, only,namely towards the flanges or ledges 28.

[0138] The movable bottom 30 may be made of bent sheet metal, so thatits shoulders are flexible and act as a lock. The lock runs against fourinternal one-way stairs in the cartridge (see illustration in FIGS. 37and 38).

[0139] The movable bottom may be made of stainless steel preferably byway of laser cutting and bending.

[0140] When the cartridge has been emptied for sticks, and the bottom isin the top of the cartridge, a bend preferably approximately 45-degrees44, ensures that a stick mover pawl will slide over the bottom. Thebottom is guided between the four legs 43 and the side-guidance of thestairs shown in FIG. 38.

[0141] Some data and specifications for the movable bottom are describedbelow. The movable bottoms are preferably made out or 0.10 mm stainlessspring steel, AISI 301. The bottoms are first cut by laser cutting/photoetching items for function models. There after they are bent into thefinal shape by specially manufactured tools.

[0142] Thus, the preferred method for making a movable bottom devicecomprises the steps of;

[0143] laser cutting(small batches) or punching (large batches), and

[0144] bending sheet metal

[0145] The movable bottom device shown in FIG. 36 comprises a testingdevice support side 41, a plunger abutment side 42, and at least twolegs 43.

[0146] The movable bottom device further comprises a slope 44characterised in that a part of the support surface slopes downwards inrelation to the stick support side, for guiding a testing device removerpawl.

[0147] The legs of the movable bottom device comprise at least onecurvature 45 creating a base area 46 and a pawl 34.

[0148] The base area 46 is the part of the leg being close to thesupport surface, whereas the pawl area 34 is the part of the leg that ison the opposite side of the at least one curvature in relation to thebase area. The pawl area being in a different angle in relation to therest of the leg.

[0149] Preferably, at least two pawl members 34 differing in length areassociated with each row of teeth 33, and said difference in length issmaller than the pitch of the row of teeth 33, preferably half the pitchor the pitch divided by the number of pawl members for each row ofteeth, if more pawl members are used for each row of teeth. This meansthat the movable bottom plate 30 may be retained in positions having amutual spacing being smaller than—such as half—the pitch of the row ofteeth 33. Thus, such small spacing may be obtained without requiringclose tolerances in moulding the row of teeth, while the lengths of pawlmembers, made for example from metal, may rather exactly be cut to thedesired lengths.

[0150] In order to facilitate the transportation of sticks and formaking it easy for a user to handle the sticks, the sticks are mountedin a cartridge. The section below describes the method of how to load acartridge with preferably 50 lateral or 100 colorimetric sticks by usinga loading device, see FIG. 39-42 for illustration:

[0151] The testing devices are stacked and the stack is introduced inthe storage container or cassette in the following manner:

[0152] A mounting tool (not shown) comprises a base and a pair ofupwardly extending guide legs. These legs are dimensioned such as to bereceived in opposite recesses or cut-outs 35 formed in the testingdevices (FIGS. 1-3 and FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively). As a first step,the movable bottom plate 30 is positioned on the base of the tool, whereafter the desired number of testing devices is stacked on top of thebottom plate such that the guide legs of the mounting tool are receivedin the opposite recesses 35 of the testing tools. Finally, the tool withthe stacked testing devices is inserted into a cassette via the openbottom or bottom opening 37 and pushed towards the flanges or ledges 28.When the pawl members 34 of the bottom plate 30 have come intoengagement with the rows of teeth 33, the tool may be withdrawn from thecassette, while the movable bottom plate 30 and the stacked testingdevices remains therein, because the pawl members 34 of the bottom plate30 engage with the corresponding rows of teeth 33 on the inner surfacesof the cassette. As shown in FIG. 9 a longitudinally extending cornerguide 36 is formed in each inner corner of the cassette for guiding thecomplementary shaped corners of the flanges 18 and 23, respectively, ofthe stacked testing devices when being displaced upwardly through thetubular cassette.

[0153] A method useable for loading a cartridge is described below.

[0154] Firstly a movable bottom is placed in a temporary fixture betweenthe two guide legs 47. Secondly, a number of lateral or colorimetricsticks are placed in the fixture on top of the movable bottom and alsobetween the two guide legs. The recesses in the end of the stick guidethe sticks along the columns, see FIGS. 23 and 24. When the sticks arein place a cartridge is taken down to the fixture and guided so that thetwo guide legs penetrates the cartridge from the bottom. Preferably thecartridge is pushed downwards until the one-way stairs inside thecartridge gets in contact with the pawls of the movable bottom. In orderto get the sticks to the top of the cartridge, the position of thecartridge is secured, while the auxiliary plate of the fixture is beingpushed upwards. To secure that the stack of sticks are kept in place,cartridges may preferably be loaded and unloaded in a loading device.

[0155] The lifting device (auxiliary plate) in the loading device ispreferably at least partly positioned between the two guide legs, and ispreferably of the same size or smaller than a testing device. Thedistance between the first and the second guide leg is adjusted so thata testing device can be guided between the first and second guide legs.The mounting tool and the method are preferably designed so that theloading can be automatically performed.

[0156] A cassette of the type shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 loaded with stackedtesting devices may be mounted in an automatic analyser such that aspring biased piston or plunger is moved through the bottom opening 37of the cassette into engagement with the movable bottom plate 30 thereinfor biasing the stack of testing devices towards the bottom side of theflanges or ledges 28. The cassette may be retained in position by meansof oppositely extending mounting pins 38. The upper testing device isretained in position in alignment with the discharge opening 31 by theresilient finger 32 to avoid unintentional discharge. However, theanalyser may move the upper testing device into the processing path ofthe analyser by means of a reciprocating carrier pin of the analysermovable via a funnel-shaped entrance 39 (FIGS. 6 and 7) into thetransverse space 29 and into engagement with the upper testing device soas to transfer the same to the processing path of the analyser via thedischarge opening 31. When the upper testing device has been dischargedfrom the cassette the stack of testing devices within the cassette willbe moved a step upwardly under the influence of the biasing piston orplunger, where after the discharge operation may be repeated. When atesting device has been used for analysing a liquid sample, the devicemay be discarded or the test member 11, 20 may be removed from theholder 10, 19, where after the holder may be reused together with afresh test member.

[0157] The cassettes shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 may be made from twolaterally reversed halves which may be welded or glued together orirreversibly interlocked by mechanical snap locking means. These halvesmay possibly be integrally moulded such that they are hinge connectedalong one side.

[0158] The cassettes or cartridges shown in FIGS. 6,7,25 and 26 mayfurther comprise a front edge surface 37 a and a back edge surface 37 bcomprising at least one energy director, shown in FIG. 29. The energydirector(s) of the left half front edge surface and back end surface islocated in relation to guide ways on the right half front edge surfaceand back edge surface for receiving the energy director(s). These energydirectors facilitate the joint of the two halves during ultrasonicwelding.

[0159] It should be understood that the projections 15 formed on theholder 10, 19 may be of any shape as long as they are able to allowinsertion of the test member 11, 20 into the holder and to retain thetest member therein in the desired mutual position. As an example, theprojections 15 may be in the form of pins extending obliquely towardsthe abutment surfaces defined by the walls 13, 22. Furthermore, theprojections may be positioned differently spaced from these abutmentsurfaces so that test members 11, 20 of different thicknesses may besafely retained in one and the same holder 10, 19.

[0160]FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of the testing deviceaccording to the invention comprising a channel-shaped holder 19 shownin FIGS. 5 and 11 and an elongated strip-type test member 20 havingvarying thickness along its length. The channel-shaped holder 19 has apair of opposite side walls 21 and a connecting bottom wall 22 definingan inner abutment surface corresponding to the bottom surface of theupper wall 13 in the embodiment described above in connection with FIGS.1-3. A number of tooth-like projections 15 corresponding to thosedescribed above in connection with FIGS. 1-3 are formed on the oppositeinner surfaces of the side walls 21. A pair of oppositely directedflanges 23 extends from the upper edges of the side walls 21 and servesas guide flanges when the testing device is processed in an analyser. Anumber of rib-shaped projections 15a are formed on the opposite innersurfaces of the side walls 21, in order to obtain a better fit of thechemistry in the frame.

[0161]FIGS. 13 and 14 is a magnification of the holder in FIGS. 11 and12. These figures illustrates in relation to the bottom wall 22, twovertical ribs 15 a formed on the opposite inner surface of the sidewalls

[0162]FIG. 15 illustrates the holder and test stick shown in FIGS. 11and 12 but here the stick is separated from the holder.

[0163]FIG. 16 illustrates two holders shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, piled ontop of each other.

[0164] FIGS. 17-20 illustrate another embodiment of a testing deviceaccording to the invention comprising a holder 10 and a sheet- orplate-like test carrier or test member 11, which is a sheet or platemember containing for example calorimetric reagents. The holder 10,which may be made from plastic material by injection moulding, and thetest sheet member 11 are produced separately and usually at differentlocations. Therefore, before the testing device may be used the testsheet member has to be mounted in the holder 10.

[0165] The holder 10 shown in FIGS. 17-20, comprises a substantiallyrectangular frame 12 having inner side walls defining a pit having across-section corresponding to the size and shape of the test member 11.The bottom of the pit is defined by the frame 12 and is partly coveredby a lower wall 22 defining an abutment surface. The top surface of thelower wall 22 defines an abutment surface for the sheet-like test member11 when mounted in the holder 10.

[0166] Oppositely arranged inner side wall parts have tooth-likeprojections 15 formed thereon. Each projection has a sloping leadingedge 16 and a support surface or trailing surface 17, which is oppositeto and substantially parallel with the top surface of the lower wall 22.Wing-like flanges 18 extending outwardly from opposite sides of therectangular frame 12 are used for guiding the testing device along apath of movement or processing path in an automatic analyser, not shown.

[0167] A plate or sheet-like test member 11, such as a sheet ofchemistry paper with a thickness of about 0.4 mm, may be mounted in theholder shown in FIG. 17-20, simply by pushing the test member downwardlytrough the frame 12 towards the top surface of the lower wall 22. Theedge portions of the sheet-like test member 11 thereby come intoengagement with the leading edges 16 of the projections, whereby theseedge portions are locally compressed. Preferably, the thickness of thetest member 11 corresponds to the axial distance between the abutmentsurface formed by the top surface of the lower wall 22 and the oppositesupporting surfaces 17 of the projections 15. In such case the testmember may be safely retained in position in the holder 10 between thetop surface of the wall 22 and the opposing supporting surfaces 17 ofthe projections 15. When the testing device has been introduced into ananalyser a liquid sample to be tested may be applied to the surface ofthe test member 11, and a calorimetric reaction may be read by theanalyser and translated into a test result.

[0168]FIG. 21 shows the two different types of frames 10 and 19, inprofile. The frames have wing-like flanges 18 extending outwardly fromopposite sides of the rectangular frame 12 used for guiding the testingdevice along a path of movement or processing path in an automaticanalyser, not shown.

[0169]FIG. 22 illustrates two holders shown in FIGS. 1-3 or 17-20, piledon top of each other.

[0170]FIG. 23 shows the drawings of the third embodiments.

[0171]FIG. 24 shows the drawings of the fourth embodiment.

[0172]FIG. 25 shows a side view of a cartridge for the holder 19. Thecartridge has a resilient finger 32, for preventing the stick holder tofall out during transportation of the cartridge. Also the cartridge hasgrip protrusions 51 on the upper half of the sides for increasing thefriction between the hand and the cartridge when loading and unloadingthe cartridge. Furthermore the cartridge also has a external protrusion38 located on the back surface in the vicinity of the upper dischargeopening, on the same edge as the funnel-shaped entrance 39. Theprotrusion has an abutment surface 50.

[0173]FIG. 26 shows a side view of a cartridge for the holder 10. Thecartridge has a resilient finger 32, for preventing the stick holder tofall out during transportation of the cartridge. The cartridge has gripprotrusions on the upper half of the sides for increasing the frictionbetween the hand and the cartridge when loading and unloading thecartridge. The cartridge also has a protrusion 38 on the same edge asthe funnel-shaped entrance 39. The protrusion has an abutment surface50, for providing a preferred vertical storage positioning duringstorage of the cartridge in the analysis instrument (not shown). Thecartridge further comprises a hole, 38 b in the wall 37 b as well as inthe wall 37 a. These holes are preferably adopted for receivingretaining means (Not shown) for holding the cartridge in a loadingposition when the cartridge is being loaded in to an analysis instrument(Not shown). Thus facilitating the loading for a user.

[0174]FIG. 27 shows two cross-sections of the cartridge for the holder10, the above cross-section shows the cartridge before assembly 27 a andthe lower cross-section show the cartridge after it is assembled 27 b.The corner guide 36 and the rows of teeth or ratchet teeth 33 can alsobe seen.

[0175]FIG. 28 shows a magnification of the energy directors whereby thetwo cartridge halves are welded together by preferably ultrasonicwelding.

[0176]FIG. 29 shows one of the halves of a cartridge for the holder 19,with three energy directors 52.

[0177]FIG. 30 shows a cross-section of a cartridge wherein a holder 10is placed. Furthermore the abutment surface 50 of the protrusion 38 canbe seen.

[0178]FIG. 31 shows a magnification of the grip protrusions 51, cornerguide 36 and of the rows of teeth or ratchet teeth 33.

[0179]FIG. 32 shows a close up of the upper part of a cartridgeillustrating the preferred placement of a resilient finger 32.

[0180]FIGS. 33 and 34 shows a cross-section of the resilient finger,wherein the sloping abutment surface 53 for preventing holders to fallout during transportation of the cartridge but at the same time has thefeature to release a holder when the holder is pushed against theresilient finger. The resilient finger further comprises a second levelabutment surface 54, abutting the holders below the upper holder.

[0181]FIG. 35 shows a cartridge with the funnel-shaped entrance 39.

[0182]FIG. 36 shows two embodiments of the movable bottom plate having asupport surface comprising a stick support side 41 and a plungerabutment side 42. The bottom plate further comprising four legs 43having a base area 46 and a pawl area 34. Furthermore the bottom platecomprises a slope 44 in one of the end for guiding a stick remover pawl.

[0183]FIGS. 37 and 38 shows a cartridge for holders (10), wherein theplacement of sticks and the movable bottom plate can be seen.

[0184]FIG. 39-42 shows a mounting tool for loading cartridges withholders. The mounting tool comprises a pair of upwardly extending guidelegs 47 and a base 48. The mounting tool further comprises a liftingdevice 49 for pushing the stack of holders towards the flanges 28 andfor forcing the floating bottom plate into the cartridge so that thepawl area 34 of the legs of the bottom plate gets in contact with therows of teeth or ratchet teeth 33 on the inside of the cartridge.

1. A testing device for testing or analysing fluids and comprising atleast one sheet- or plate-like test member (11, 20) including analysisreagent and having opposite side surfaces surrounded by edge portions,and a separately produced holder (10, 19) having retaining means forreceiving and retaining the test member in a predetermined relativeposition in the holder, said retaining means comprising an abutmentsurface (13, 22) engaging with one of said side surfaces of the testmember and projections (15, 15 a), which are positioned and shaped so asto allow insertion of the test member into the holder by moving the testmember into engagement with said abutment surface while engaging withopposite edge portions thereof.
 2. A testing device according to claim1, wherein the projections (15) are tooth-shaped with pointed ends.
 3. Atesting device according to claim 1, wherein each of at least some ofthe projections (15) has a leading edge (16) forming a ramp slopingtowards a plane defined by the abutment surface so as to facilitateinsertion of the test member into the holder.
 4. A testing deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein each of at least some of the projections(15) has a trailing edge or surface (17) extending substantiallyparallel with and spaced from a plane defined by the abutment surface.5. A testing device according to claim 1, wherein the projections arepositioned so as to be differently spaced from the plane defined by theabutment surface.
 6. A testing device according to claim 1, wherein theholder (19) is a channel-shaped member having an inner bottom surface(22) defining said abutment surface and opposite inner side surfaces(21) from which projections (15) extend in opposite directions.
 7. Atesting device according to claim 1, wherein the test member (20) is anelongated member of the “lateral flow stick” type, in which the fluid tobe tested is supplied at one end (24) of the elongated test member.
 8. Atesting device according to claim 1, wherein the holder (10) isframe-shaped and defines an opening (14) therein, the abutment surface(13) extending around and adjacent to said opening.
 9. A testing deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the holder (10, 19) has upper and lowercomplementary surfaces so as to allow stacking of a plurality of testingdevices on top of each other.
 10. A testing device according to claim 9,wherein said complementary surfaces are shaped so as to allow mutualdisplacement of stacked testing devices in a direction transversely tothe longitudinal direction of the stack.
 11. A testing device accordingto claim 1 for use in calorimetric testing of milk.
 12. A holder for atesting device according to claim 1, said holder (10, 19) comprisingmeans for receiving and retaining a sheet- or plate-like test member(11, 20), which has opposite side surfaces surrounded by edge portions,in a predetermined relative position in the holder, said retaining meanscomprising an abutment surface (13,22) for engaging with one of saidside surfaces of the test member and projections (15, 15 a), which arepositioned and shaped so as to allow insertion of the test member intothe holder by moving the test member into engagement with said abutmentsurface while engaging with opposite edge portions thereof.
 13. A holderaccording to claim 12, wherein the projections (15) are tooth-shapedwith pointed ends.
 14. A holder according to claim 12, wherein each ofat least some of the projections has a leading edge (16) forming a rampsloping towards a plane defined by the abutment surface so as tofacilitate insertion of the test member into the holder.
 15. A holderaccording to claim 12, wherein each of at least some of the projectionshas a trailing edge or surface (17) extending substantially parallelwith and spaced from a plane defined by the abutment surface.
 16. Aholder according to claim 12, wherein the projections are positioned soas to be differently spaced from the plane defined by the abutmentsurface.
 17. A holder according to claim 12, wherein the holder is achannel-shaped member (19) having an inner bottom surface (22) definingsaid abutment surface and opposite inner side surfaces (21) from whichprojections (15, 15 a) extend in opposite directions.
 18. A holderaccording to claim 12, wherein the holder (10) is frame-shaped anddefines an opening (14) therein, the abutment surface (13) extendingaround and adjacent to said opening.
 19. A holder according to claim 12,wherein the holder has upper and lower complementary surfaces so as toallow stacking of a plurality of holders on top of each other.
 20. Aholder according to claim 19, wherein said complementary surfaces areshaped so as to allow mutual displacement of stacked holders in adirection transversely to the longitudinal axis of the stack.
 21. Aholder according to claim 12, wherein the holder has been integrallyformed.
 22. A testing device according to claim 1, wherein the holderfurther comprises an upper side and a lower side in relation to ananalysis instrument, and wherein the retaining means are positioned andshaped so as to allow insertion of the test member in to the holder fromthe upper side.
 23. A holder according to claim 12, wherein the holderfurther comprises an upper side and a lower side in relation to ananalysis instrument, and wherein the retaining means are positioned andshaped so as to allow insertion of the test member in to the holder fromthe upper side.
 24. A cartridge for receiving, storing and unloading aplurality of stacked testing devices, the cartridge comprising: ahousing defining an internal passage for said stack of sticks, saidhousing comprising: a lower charge opening for receiving said stack oftesting devices, a support member for supporting a lower testing devicein said stack, an upper abutment surface for engaging with an uppertesting device in the stack, and an upper discharge opening,substantially aligned with said upper testing device, so as to allowdischarge of said upper testing device by displacing the same along saidabutment surface.
 25. A cartridge according to claim 24, wherein thehousing is assembled by two halves, together defining oppositely sidesurfaces, and a front and a back surface. 26 A cartridge according toclaim 25, wherein the two halves are detachable or non-detachableassembled.
 27. A cartridge according to claim 24, wherein at least thedischarge opening comprises guiding trails or incisions for guiding atesting device upon discharging.
 28. A cartridge according to claim 24,wherein the side surfaces comprise guiding trails for guiding said stackof testing devices through the passage.
 29. A cartridge according toclaim 25, wherein the side surfaces further comprise at least oneserrated track on the inside, forming one side of an internal one-waystair for a support member.
 30. A cartridge according to claim 24, wherein the support member is movable in relation to the housing.
 31. Acartridge according to claim 24, further comprising one-way meansassociated with the movable support member allowing the movable supportmember to move in a direction towards the upper abutment surface, only.32. A cartridge according to claim 31, wherein said one-way meanscomprise at least one succession of teeth, such as a rack or ratchetteeth, and at least one pawl member co-operating therewith.
 33. Acartridge according to claim 24, comprising at least two pawl members,which are connected to the supporting member for co-operating with asuccession of teeth formed on an inner side surface of the storagecontainer, the free ends of the pawl members being spaced in thelongitudinal direction of the container by a distance being differentfrom a multiple of the pitch of the succession of teeth, preferablysmaller than said pitch.
 34. A cartridge according to claim 25, whereinat least one of the side surfaces further comprises a locking device inthe vicinity of the discharge opening, for preventing unintentionaldischarges of testing devices.
 35. A cartridge according to claim 34,wherein the locking device comprises at least one flexible protrusionobstructing at least a part of said discharge opening.
 36. A cartridgeaccording to claim 24, further comprising an external protrusion forabutting a support surface on a storage carousel in an analysisinstrument.
 37. A load device for loading a stack of testing devicesinto a cartridge, the load device comprising: a base member, a first anda second column oppositely arranged and extending upwards from said basemember, and being adapted to receive and hold one or more testingdevices there between, and a lifting device for slidably lifting one ofmore testing devices along said columns.
 38. A load device according toclaim 37, wherein each column comprises a groove for receiving andguiding an end of a test stick.
 39. A load device according to claim 37,wherein the lifting device comprises a handle for manually sliding saidlifting device along said columns.
 40. A load device according to claim37, wherein the lifting device is automatically slid along said columns.41. A load device according to claim 37, wherein the lifting devicefurther comprises a support surface for supporting at least a part ofthe lower testing device in said stack of testing devices.
 42. A loaddevice according to claims 41, wherein the stack of sticks are loadedinto a cartridge according to claim 24 and wherein the support member ofsaid cartridge is arranged between said support surface of said liftingdevice and the lower most testing device in said stack.
 43. A loaddevice according to claim 37, wherein the lifting device furthercomprises guiding means abutting a side portion of said columns so as toguide the device along the columns.
 44. A method for loading a pluralityof testing devices into a cartridge by using a load device, the loaddevice comprising: a base member, a first and a second column oppositelyarranged and extending upwards from said base member, and being adaptedto receive and hold one or more testing devices there between, and alifting device for slidably lifting one of more testing devices alongsaid columns, the method comprising the steps of: stacking one or moretesting devices between the columns, guide an empty cartridge from abovethe columns and down towards the base member, lifting the lifting devicein order to push the sticks upwards until the upper most testing deviceabuts an upper abutment surface of said cartridge, removing thecartridge loaded with the sticks from said load device.
 45. A methodaccording to claim 44, further comprising, prior to the step of placingtesting devices, the step of placing a support member between thecolumns for supporting and holding the stack of testing devices insidesaid cartridge upon removing the loaded cartridge.